Detroit Firefighters Respond to Apartment Blaze

On Sept. 3 at approximately 3 a.m., Detroit firefighters were dispatched to a box alarm at Garfield and Woodward for a reported apartment building on fire.

Engines 1, 5 and 17 along with Ladder 20, Squad 2 and Chief 5 were dispatched. First arriving crews reported a vacant four-story apt building with heavy fire going throughout. They requested a second alarm which brought Engines 9, 10 and 23, Ladder 1, Squad 3, Chief 1 and a senior chief.

The fire was defensive from the start. No firefighters were to enter the building. Three ladder pipes and one platform were put into operation as well as several hand lines and a deck gun. Chief 5 took command, and requested two additional trucks, Ladders 7 and 17.

About 50 firefighters battled the fire for around two hours before it was placed under control.